OH WOW on AOL Black Voices

Bringing Women Into the Future

By Patrice Gaines, Special to AOL Black Voices

Creating a Womanist, Tech-Driven Future

Niambi Jarvis formed a community of women using her skills as an information technology consultant and the most important tool of her generation: a computer. She developed Hiyaah Power, a website offering tele-seminars, virtual conferences, a radio program and opportunities to network with women of color around the world.

"If a woman does not possess a sense of empowerment, I strive to provide access to resources and people who can help that sister on her path to empowerment," said Jarvis, 33. "Hiyaah Power is a double entendre, a play on words. I am acknowledging the Hiyaah Power that exists in the universe and within each of us."

Elder Vikki Johnson, a radio talk show host in Washington and presenter at T.D. Jake's national MegaFest, calls Jarvis's ability to collaborate with others and form networks "the dirty work that makes a difference."

"It's not glamorous work but it makes a difference," said Johnson, recalling how Hiyaah Power partnered to present one of her quarterly "Girl Talk" sessions. Johnson asked women, who came from all over the country, to bring clothes to give to Hiyaah Power's 'Lend Me Your Hand Campaign' to help women in homeless shelters.

"The response was tremendous," said Johnson.

Jarvis, responsible for collecting the clothes, had to also get the donations distributed. "It's hard to get people to do this kind of work because you really have to have a service heart," said Johnson.

But collaborations excite Jarvis. She is also passionate about getting women of color "to use the web and open their minds to new technology." As the owner of an information technology company in Lorton, Va., she was working with major government contractors when she saw the possibilities for building a new community for women. She learned on the job, took computer technology courses and taught herself some of the skills she needed to build the virtual Hiyaah Power community.

She had already created Esinglemoms.com for single mothers. But she got married and also noticed that many of the women using the site were neither mothers nor single. So Jarvis created Hiyaah Power, which went online in May 2004 and now has members in 40 states, the United Kingdom, Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados and West Africa. Jarvis reports 10,000 to 35,000 hits on the site a week.

A lot of the services offered are free, she says, but there are $25 and $50 memberships that allow professionals to network, market their businesses and receive training through Hiyaah Power -- all membership benefits that are not available to everyone.

“Being a member has afforded me the opportunity to meet, share and network with amazing women globally, not only on a professional level but on a personal one as well,” said Denise G. Hanney, CEO/Founder of The Spa Expectation Corporation/Expectations Mobile Spa & Women’s Resource Service in Hampton, Va.

There is always something going on at Hiyaah Power. Visitors can participate in town hall conferences, read about or list a special event or share a testimony. There is a book club chat room and other chats for moms on subjects like fitness and nutrition or relationships. People sign up for free tele-seminars at the website, then receive confirmation by email and dial a phone number to listen to the seminars by phone. Recent topics have included 'How to Get Just About Anything You Want' and 'Multiply Your Customer Base.'

There is also Hiyaah Power Radio, a show aired through ePrayze Radio on Thursday from 2:30 to 3 P.M. EST. Jarvis describes the program as 'an alternative talk show -- all positive -- spotlighting dynamic women of color."

In November, Hiyaah Power will host its first virtual conference, pulling together seven female-headed organizations and featuring small business gurus and motivational speakers. Jarvis expects the participation fee to be $49.95.

Also this fall, the web community publishes its first book, '100 Words of Wisdom for Women: A 31-Day Exercise in Empowerment,' which features the voices of women authors, executives, ministers and others. Proceeds from the sales will go to 'Lend Me Your Hand,' the campaign to help women and children in shelters around the country. Meanwhile, women using '100 Words of Wisdom' will be able to sign on to Hiyaah Power to chat with some of the book's contributors and do supplemental exercises.

It's Jarvis's goal to spark one million women to transform their lives because of the encouragement found in '100 Words of Wisdom.'

"I don’t believe anybody will want to settle for mediocrity when she opens this book," she says, stressing on her use of the feminine pronoun. "She'll realize how truly exceptional she can be."

"After all," she adds, "this could be the answer to a prayer that many women have been praying for generations…the power to go to the next level -- a Hiyaah level."

About the Author
Patrice Gaines is a writer living in South Carolina. She is the author of 'Laughing In the Dark' and 'Moments of Grace.'